Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)

Having just seen the fourth episode of this new series I feel I can now safely say that it's the funniest show I've seen in years! Not being a Reeves & Mortimer fan (until now that is) I've never seen any of their comedy stuff, so I had no idea what to expect when it was announced they were doing a remake of Randall & Hopkirk. I am an avid fan of the original R&H series however and would be first to yell out if I thought they were making a mess of it. But they're not. It's a fantastic updated version of what was a fantastic 'cult' show; it's NOT a remake, more of a homage. It's fantasy, it's fun, and that's the whole point of the show! I can't wait for the second series. Nice one Vic and Bob.

Don't watch this if you're expecting to see the 60's version of Randall and Hopkirk, with prettier effects. Randall and Hopkirk 2000 (as I shall call it), is nothing of the kind. It is the same TV series in name alone and that's the way it should be.

Gone are the seedy back-street meetings of a TV series that seemed to be almost embarrassed to feature this fantasy element - which only arose because creator Dennis Spooner wanted to write a series about a ghost. The original Randall and Hopkirk was almost apologetic about the fact that one if its main characters was dead.

Thankfully Randall and Hopkirk 2000 revels in it. The plots are a little predictable, but if you want heavy detective drama go watch Cracker. Writer Charlie Higson did what they daren't in the 60's. He had fun.

The only real flaws are Reeves and Mortimer. Whoever told Vic and Bob that they can act should be shot through the lungs. That said, there has been a very clear improvement in the quality of their acting as the series has progressed.

And don't even get me started on Tom Baker. The man is a genius!

Roll on series two!

Dear sirs,

I may be biased because I absolutely love Reeves and Mortimer (absolute geniuses, and I challenge anyone to contradict me!). This series is thoroughly enjoyable, and am delighted that it will soon be given a second run, and I'm always in stitches by the cameo appearances of Charlie Higson, Hitchcock-style, although not quite as hidden.

I'm not declaring it a perfect series, totally void of all annoyances (because, granted, Bob does look quite uncomfortable, and is evidently itching to start making an idiot of himself), however, it is very well written, even though I'm far too young to even know about the original series. The acting, I'm sure, will be improved upon in the second run, as this was their first proper go at something that needs, well, to be blunt, concentration, but it's all done with good humour and what I believe to be the pinnacle of great digital effects (or at least the pinnacle they could claim on their budget).

If you've never witnessed the first series, make some effort to watch the second, and if you don't have one smile in the entire episode, by all means, prove me wrong.

The new Randall and Hopkirk(deceased) blows the original away. It is slick, stylish and cool in its retro way. Vic and Bob are perfect as Randall and Hopkirk, and the innovative story-lines hold the interest. With the superb special effects, good cinematography, and tight direction it is safe to say this series will go on for many years. I for one am glad of that.

Granted, the first episode was a bit of a mess, but from then on out it has only got better. It's a mad, mad world that R and H is set in, an eccentric mix of luxury, leather jackets and very fine-looking cars with more than a dash of 60s style. What other show can boast this? Vic and Bob have both settled into their roles well, Bob especially doing well in the scene where he was posessed by Marty. I admit the will-they-won't-they 'tension' between Jeff and Jeannie is way overplayed, but it's a laugh. The scripts are good enough by the standards of a sketch writer who I have no doubt will improve his plotting skills as the series goes on. Regarding the second series, it has already been commissioned on the strength of initial ratings, so let's sit back, relax and enjoy the madness while it lasts, and take it for what it is - a quirky, funny, often touching melodrama featuring a pair of very funny men acting their socks off, all topped off by the best effects since sliced bread.